2019 Canadian U-18 championships to be played in Sherwood Park, Alta.

Fans in Alberta will get a glimpse at Canada’s curling future at the 2019 Canadian Under-18 Boys and Girls Curling Championships, it was announced today by Curling Canada.

The Glen Allan Recreation Complex will host the 2019 Canadian Under-18 Curling Championships.

The third annual Canadian Under-18 Championships will be played April 2-7 at the Glen Allan Recreation Complex in Sherwood Park, Alta.

The event, which will feature representatives of all 14 of Curling Canada’s Member Associations in both genders (aged 17 and under as of June 30, 2018), will see athletes competing on arena ice as well as at the Sherwood Park Curling Club, which is part of the same complex.

“This is an exciting time for Canadian curling as we start our road to the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, but the athletes in Sherwood Park will be the ones we’ll be looking at in 2026 and beyond, and to see them all under one roof is a tremendous opportunity,” said Resby Coutts, Chair of Curling Canada’s Board of Governors. “This truly is the competition where future champions learn HOW to become champions, and I know Sherwood Park will do a wonderful job in giving these athletes a showcase for their talents.”

The teams will be seeded into two seven-team pools, and will play eight-end round-robin games. The top three teams will advance to the playoffs, with the pool winners advancing directly to the semifinals, and the second-and third-place teams meeting in crossover quarter-finals.

“We’re thrilled and honoured to be hosting this world-class sporting event,” said Strathcona County Mayor Rod Frank. “Our active, enthusiastic community and volunteers have been integral to our success in hosting other national sports events. Curling Canada’s U-18 athletes and fans alike can expect a warm welcome in Strathcona County. Curling is an essential part of recreation in our community, and we look forward to showcasing our revitalized Glen Allan Recreation Complex. We’ll be cheering on all participants from the 28 teams, and wish them good curling.”

Assuming they meet the age requirements, athletes can enter the U-18 nationals as well as the 2019 New Holland Canadian Junior Men’s and Women’s Curling Championships, which are set for Jan. 19-27 in Prince Albert, Sask.

“Alberta takes pride in hosting national curling championships, and we’re particularly excited to welcome the Canadian Under-18 Championships to our province for the first time,” said Jill Richard, Executive-Director of Curling Alberta. “I know there’s a dedicated group of volunteers in Sherwood Park who will take this event to new heights, both on and off the ice.”

Sherwood Park is located just east of Edmonton, and the Glen Allan Recreation Complex is a popular gathering place for locals, with a variety of recreational options, including the thriving Sherwood Park Curling Club, managed by two-time Scotties Tournament of Hearts champion Heather Nedohin.

“As a competitor, I have so many fond memories of my early competitions, and they were important stepping stones in my career,” said Nedohin, who will serve as Host Committee Chair for the 2019 Canadian Under-18 Championships. “Our club is already working hard to make this event special for competitors and their families, and we’re proud to be given this opportunity.”